Arizona Diamondbacks Closer J.J. Putz Avoids Major Elbow Surgery

Fans of the Arizona Diamondbacks and reliever J.J. Putz can breath a small sigh of relief today as the veteran arm will avoid major elbow surgery after tests showed that Putz wont need a complete elbow reconstruction.

The oft-injured closer was diagnosed with a sprained ligament, strained flexor pronator and an irritated nerve – certainly nothing to be excited about if you root for the Sedona red, but anything is better than what Putz was facing.

The Arizona Diamondbacks closer left this past Tuesday’s game in the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers after expiring numbness in his pitching arm along with stiffness in his throwing elbow, two conditions that a pitcher never wants to feel.

Immediate reaction was that Putz, who’s no stranger to the disabled list, would need Tommy John surgery, but that wont apparently be the case – despite reports yesterday that said differently. Putz is expected to deal with the injury through rehabilitation and if all goes well, is hopeful that he’ll be able to return to the Diamondback bullpen before season end, though that may be wishful thinking.

Putz, who had his struggles this year, hits the disabled list with a 4.26 ERA in 14 appearances, which includes five saves, four blown saves and a 1.58 WHIP.

Heath Bell will take over the majority of closing duties.